Page 117 of Gabriel & Skye

I woke early, but it would’ve been rude to call or bang down her door at five am.

It’s only just gone seven now.

“Gabe, honey?” she drawls. “I’m callin’ because I have some news, and I’m afraid it’s not good.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I listen. “Hello, Mrs. Buckley. Your ears must’ve been burning this morning, as I was going to call you.”

“You’ve heard then? She’s back in town.”

I feel like I need to sit down. I mean, I know she’s here. The security footage at school showed her face. But knowing she’s at the motel just confirms it all the more.

“I have, but I have no idea if she was just passing through.”

“She checked in yesterday; I wasn’t here or I would’ve phoned you first thing.” It isn’t like everyone in town is unaware of what happened. News spread like wildfire, and it’s because of all these people that I wasn’t alone. “She’s checking out tomorrow, honey. I just thought you should know, in case you wanted to pay her a visit.”

“I appreciate that. Thank you, Mrs. Buckley.”

“If I see any signs that she could be leaving, do you want me to stop her?”

I almost laugh at the idea. Mrs. Buckley is almost seventy years old, and a tiny little thing with a walking stick. I don’t know what she thinks she might do.

“No, that’s fine. I’ll be heading over in a few. Thanks for the heads up.”

“Well, the good lord made us smart enough to live in a small town. That’s what a tight community is all about. We help each other out.” There’s a pause. “If you need any help, honey, you just holler.”

I try not to laugh. “I will, Mrs. Buckley. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out as soon as possible.”

“Hmm, well, the sooner that awful woman is out of town, the better.”

I can’t say I disagree, but I don’t want to add to the gossip train. It’s inevitable that by the time I even get to the motel, the entire town of Stoney Creek will know. The quicker I get there and intercept her before she realizes what’s going on, the better.

“Good bye, Mrs. Buckley. Thanks again.”

“Goodbye, dear.”

We hang up, and I quickly text Skye. I hate that we have to sneak around and she had to drive home in the wee hours of morning. But if Trin ran in here and saw Skye in my bed, I’d have some complicated explaining to do. And I don’t want to have that conversation quite yet.

Me

I know it’s early, but would it be okay if you watched Trin today a little earlier? Apparently, the witch is at the motel. Mrs. Buckley just called me

I’m pleased when I see she immediately reads the message and starts her reply.

Skye

Of course! Did you want to drop her here? My grandparents have a yard for Daisy. We can have breakfast until I drop her at school if you’d like

Me

That’d be great. I could drop her at my parents, but I don’t want them to worry with her being in town

Skye

Understandable, but will you be okay by yourself?

Me

I’ll text one of my brothers. But I’m sure I can handle her

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